ARC Review: Black City (Black City #1) by Elizabeth Richards

Title: Black City (Black City #1) Elizabeth Richards

Author: Elizabeth Richards

Published:  November 13, 2012 by G.P Putnam's Son BYR
Book given by the publisher  

Book Description:
A dark and tender post-apocalyptic love story set in the aftermath of a bloody war.

In a city where humans and Darklings are now separated by a high wall and tensions between the two races still simmer after a terrible war, sixteen-year-olds Ash Fisher, a half-blood Darkling, and Natalie Buchanan, a human and the daughter of the Emissary, meet and do the unthinkable—they fall in love. Bonded by a mysterious connection that causes Ash’s long-dormant heart to beat, Ash and Natalie first deny and then struggle to fight their forbidden feelings for each other, knowing if they’re caught, they’ll be executed—but their feelings are too strong.

When Ash and Natalie then find themselves at the center of a deadly conspiracy that threatens to pull the humans and Darklings back into war, they must make hard choices that could result in both their deaths.

MY THOUGHTS:

This is one of those books that will leave a lasting impression. Yes, Black City is the series to watch. It has everything for hungry dystopian, post-apocalyptic, paranormal and romance lovers. This book will truly satisfy your reading urge. One of the best books I’ve read this year.

Natalie’s world is dark and political. A place where there’s a caste system, corrupt officials, activists, vices and many more. It mimics reality but more intense, which makes the plot believable despite the paranormal and post-apocalyptic theme. Natalie Buchanan is the Emissary’s daughter. She lives a good life, despite the impending war between humans and darklings. She then met Ash, a twin blood. He’s half human and half vampire (Best of both worlds). At first they were like from two opposite poles. But the unthinkable happened. They fell in love. Their connection is palpable yet forbidden. Can their love flourish despite the chaos? You have to read this book to find out.

The world building is rich and satisfying. The way Elizabeth described Black City is incredible. It’s dark, untamed, dangerous and sexy. She created my dream world. As for the plot, it was written flawlessly. It was not rushed but engaging. Elizabeth knows how to capture the reader’s curiosity. I was totally hooked. Natalie and Ash’s connection is a mystery, I find myself itching for answers. I love those kinds of books where everything is mysterious. Though, I still want answers. It’s not like “What the heck had happened?” It’s more like “Ohhh, I see.” Get it? I enjoyed the political side of the book too. The manipulation and power hungry leaders gave spice to the story. Also the apprehension between the humans and darklings made this book more enjoyable.  It was like a bomb ready to explode anytime. The feud is intense! You could really feel the tension. The action scenes were very cinematic. I have this thing for gore and blood. Again, this book did not disappoint me. The torture scene was cool. Don’t get it wrong. I’m not a sadist or anything. I just love books that makes me shudder.

The characters were well-developed, mature and memorable. Natalie is very likable. I have this thing for strong female lead. Her character did not disappoint me. I connected to her easily. I like how strong-minded, hard-headed, smart and reckless she is. She’s not boring and her flaws made me like her more. Ash is a mystery at first. I don’t really know what going on inside his head. Well, he’s confused especially for his feelings for Natalie. But what made me glued to him is his way of thinking.  He’s young but he thinks maturely. He lives in a world where his kind is being bullied, tormented and belittled. Despite his cruel experience. He knows how to stand against the wrong. I admire him. There are more characters from the book that you would like. Again, read this book to find out more.

Lastly the love angle, it was romantic, tragic and full of drama. A forbidden love! You would really question their relationship. Will it work? Will they end up like Romeo and Juliet? Those thoughts came to my mind. Also, it was realistic and not rushed. I like the maturity of their relationship. It’s not puppy love but true love despite their young age. It was downright sexy.

Overall, Black City is an excellent read. I was satisfied yet I wanted more. Readers will connect and fall in love with the characters. The world building is incredible. As a reader, I was absorbed inside. I didn’t want the book to end. Waiting for Phoenix would be painful.

I give this book 5 darkling whales.